GPS Guide – November 4, 2019

GENEROUS GIFTS

Monday

Read: Genesis 4:2-10

” ² Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. ³ In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. ⁴ And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, ⁵ but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. ⁶ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” ⁸ Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. ⁹ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” ¹⁰ The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. (NIV Genesis 4:2-10)

Study: The offerings of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 are the first recorded offerings to God. Cain brought God fruit from the ground while Abel brought him an offering from his flock. God was pleased with Abel’s offering. Why? Did God prefer the animal sacrifice over a plant? Perhaps it was the attitude of the giving that was the issue here. How often do you give in comparison to others? God asks us to simply give our best. We should not compare what we give to what others give. If we compare ourselves to others, we can be jealous, self-righteous, or nervous about what we offer. What would it take for you to give without the pressure of comparison?

Prayer: Lord, as I give to you, help me give my best. Give me the strength to stop comparing myself to others. Amen.